College of Education

With an education degree, you can inspire minds and change lives. Whether entering the education field for the first time, investigating a career change or attaining credits for professional development, we have a program for you. For over 60 years, Grand Canyon University (GCU) has proudly maintained its rich heritage as a prestigious teaching college. Our College of Education continues to prepare policymakers, administrators and educators who strive to deliver quality education and enrich lives across a variety of school and community settings.

At GCU, we recognize the diverse needs in education and take advantage of each opportunity to create meaningful learning experiences throughout all of our education degree programs. We begin with small class sizes in both our traditional and online colleges and adult learning techniques to engage you on a personal level. From there, our experienced faculty delivers a rigorous curriculum to empower you with the skills and confidence needed in today's diverse schools.

While GCU is committed to nurturing your development into an outstanding educator, our dedication to your success extends beyond the classroom. We instill the spirit of servant leadership, innovation and service into all of our teaching programs. Even more, we continue to offer you our support throughout your first year as a new teacher or administrator.

College of Education Mission

The College of Education inspires excellence in pedagogy and scholarship; advances reflective, innovative and collaborative teaching practices to maximize student learning and achievement; promotes servant leadership in educational communities; and engages a diverse and global community of learners with purpose and passion.

I recommend Grand Canyon University's College of Education to anyone considering going into the education field. The college offers small class sizes, incredible instructors and hands-on opportunities to learn how to teach both inside the college classroom and in the field classroom experiences. I already have plans to take courses at GCU to receive my master's degree.

- Sarah McWilliams, BS, Elementary Education

Our Education Philosophy

Learning

We believe that all students can learn and that highly effective teaching and administration maximize best practices and student learning achievements. Effective teachers and administrators are highly educated, skilled, committed and compassionate. They ensure all students learn to the best of their ability.

Leading

We believe education is a powerful tool with which to purposefully engage a diverse, global community. As our teacher and administrator candidates find their purpose and calling within education, they seek to lead others to reach their God-given potential in order for them to influence the changing world.

Serving

The culture and Christian heritage of GCU promotes a spirit of servant leadership within the College of Education's faculty, staff and students so they can serve people within the broader educational community.

College of Education Promise

The College of Education firmly believes in the excellence of our administration and teaching degree programs. Nonetheless, we understand the challenges a new career in education may present. Since 1984, we have delivered on our promise to provide assistance to graduates of our educator and administrator preparation programs during their first year of teaching or leading in schools, at no expense. We continue to honor this pledge and hope to support you in your development as an outstanding educator. If you have questions about the College of Education Promise, contact an enrollment representative.

Conceptual Framework

The College of Education inspires excellence in pedagogy and scholarship. We foster the spirit of advancement stemming from reflective, innovative and collaborative teaching practices which maximize student learning and achievement. Our college promotes servant leadership in educational communities and engagement with a diverse and global community of learners with purpose and passion.

Dean LaPrade’s Call for Outstanding Educators

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The College of Education has a profound history of producing outstanding educators. We are so confident in the excellence of our programs and our renowned faculty that we promise to stand with you during your first year of teaching. As dean, I am dedicated to providing learners with high-quality programs, service and supplemental resources that support the educational community and mission of GCU.

The faculty and leadership team is dedicated to providing the training and support learners need to become highly effective teachers and administrators. We encourage you to pursue your personal and professional goals while upholding the highest integrity and ethical standards. As a graduate of GCU's College of Education, I invite you to join a select and dynamic group of educators changing the lives of our children and adolescents.

Dean Kimberly LaPrade, PhDCollege of Education

One Foundation at GCU

At GCU, we purposefully integrate the Christian worldview into academic settings to foster service, integrity and purposeful living. These values comprise the ethical standards we embrace.

College of Education Educational Alliances

GCU's Educational Alliances provide exceptional resources for your success. Our partnerships offer the opportunity to collaborate with thought leaders and supporters who strive to make advancements in education.

Education Degree Accreditation

The College of Education aligns its curriculum with the standards set by the Higher Learning Commission, national accreditors and professional affiliates. These standards help us produce credible, qualified professionals.